Ibogaine and addiction in the animal model, a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Ibogaine is a naturally occurring substance which has been increasingly used in the lay-scene to reduce craving and relapse in patients with substance use disorders (SUDs). Although human clinical trials on the safety and efficacy of ibogaine are lacking, animal studies do support the efficacy of ibogaine. In this systematic review and meta-analysis (MA), we summarise these animal findings, addressing three questions: (1) does ibogaine reduce addictive behaviour in animal models of SUDs?; (2) what are the toxic effects of ibogaine on motor functioning, cerebellum and heart rhythm?; (3) what are neuropharmacological working mechanisms of ibogaine treatment in animal models of SUDs? MA of 27 studies showed that ibogaine reduced drug self-administration, particularly during the first 24 h after administration. Ibogaine had no effect on drug-induced conditioned place preference. Ibogaine administration resulted in motor impairment in the first 24 h after supplementation, and cerebral cell loss even weeks after administration. Data on ibogaines effect on cardiac rhythm, as well as on its neuropharmacological working mechanisms are limited. Our results warrant further studies into the clinical efficacy of ibogaine in SUD patients in reducing craving and substance use, but close monitoring of the patients is recommended because of the possible toxic effects. In addition, more work is needed to unravel the neuropharmacological working mechanisms of ibogaine and to investigate its effects on heart rhythm.

Psychedelics Promote Structural and Functional Neural Plasticity

“…Notably, the anti-addictive alkaloid ibogaine ( Alper, 2001 ; Belgers et al, 2016 ) was the only psychedelic tested that had absolutely no effect ( Figure S4 ). This was a surprising result because we hypothesized that ibogaine’s long-lasting anti-addictive properties might result from its psychoplastogenic properties.…”

The Ibogaine Experience: A Qualitative Study on the Acute Subjective Effects of Ibogaine

“…In western society, ibogaine is to a large extent known by its anti‐dependency properties, which are some of its most intriguing effects. Case reports gathered since the 1960s claim a promising role in treating even the most severe drug abuse, helping the individual to kick the destructive habits (Belgers et al ; Schenberg et al ; dos Santos et al ; Wilkins et al ). It is not to be claimed as a panacea, yet with appropriate support and aftercare, significant improvements have been observed in all drug‐dependent individuals included in our study.…”

“…Its potential for treating drug dependence, one of today's most plaguing public health issues, was for the first time observed and documented in the United States in the early 1960s (Lotsof and Alexander ). Since then, the amount of preclinical evidence is substantially growing in support of ibogaine as an effective agent for attenuating withdrawal and reducing craving (Belgers et al ; dos Santos et al ; Wilkins et al ). A recent qualitative study reported substantial improvements in the quality of life and found that the individuals felt grateful for the experience, despite its physical and psychological unpleasantness (Schenberg et al ).…”

Ibogaine Detoxification Transitions Opioid and Cocaine Abusers Between Dependence and Abstinence: Clinical Observations and Treatment Outcomes

“…Several groups reported on the potential benefit of ibogaine for the treatment of drug dependence ( Lotsof, 1985 ; Sheppard, 1994 ; Luciano, 1998 ; Mash et al, 1998 ; Alper et al, 1999 ). Academic researchers reported descriptions of robust effects of the drug in preclinical animal models and in vitro data were obtained which identified possible mechanism(s) of action ( Glick et al, 1994 , 2000 ; Popik et al, 1995 ; Mash et al, 1995 ; Staley et al, 1996 ; Baumann et al, 2001 ; for review, Belgers et al, 2016 ; Mash et al, 2016 ).…”